Chamber News

A network of Trade Envoys will help promote Scotland abroad and support the efforts of the country’s exporters.

The Scottish Government has announced that the new network will be appointed in the autumn to champion and represent Scotland’s export interests, and to strengthen local market knowledge.

Comprising senior figures from industry and public life, the Trade Envoys will take on the voluntary role for an initial period of two years.

Potentially based abroad, their duties will see them working to identify specific business opportunities in new overseas markets, make connections with businesses in Scotland, and develop their understanding of the target sectors and companies in their allotted countries.

They are also likely to be involved in leading inward and outward trade visits.

Scotland’s move to increase exports will also see the launch of two more Innovation and Investment Hubs. Following the success of initiatives in London and Dublin, the Scottish Government is to establish further facilities in Berlin and Paris. The intention is for it to help “ambitious” Scottish companies take advantage of business opportunities not only in the German and French capitals but across continental Europe.

In addition to the two new hubs, the country’s existing presence in Brussels will be strengthened in a concerted effort to help Scottish companies increase exports and explore new markets.

In the words of Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, encouraging exports is not simply a good thing to do in itself, it is also important to her Government’s aim of raising productivity.

“We want to ensure that Scotland remains an open, outward looking, internationalist country,” she explained, “and part of that is about doing even more to promote Scottish businesses overseas.”

The UK’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), is to double its financial support for trade with South Africa.

An additional £1.75 billion will be available for UK companies exporting to South Africa and for South African buyers of UK goods and services. The new money will take the total available to £3.5 billion.

The move was announced as International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox started a visit to South Africa and Mozambique aimed at boosting trade with the two countries.

Total trade in goods and services between the UK and South Africa (exports and imports) was £8.1 billion in 2015 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). That represented a rise of 5.2% since 2014.

For the UK and Mozambique, total trade in goods and services was £284 million in 2015, while trade between the UK and Africa as a whole was worth £30.8 billion that year.

African investment into the UK grew by 500% between 2005 and 2014, with British investment in Africa more than doubling over the same period.

Describing the UK leaving the EU as an opportunity to forge independent trading arrangements with growing economies around the world, Dr Fox said: “That is why as an international economic department, we are making billions of pounds of additional financial support available to UK exporters and buyers of UK goods and services in South Africa.”

The International Trade Secretary also announced that UKEF is offering UK businesses wider access to government-backed overseas investment insurance (OII) which will protect those UK companies investing abroad.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada entered into force provisionally on 21 September and is expected to save EU businesses €590 million a year.

CETA removes duties on 98% of products (tariff lines) that the EU trades with Canada. It also gives EU companies the best access ever offered to companies from outside Canada to bid on the country’s public procurement contracts – not just at the federal level but also at provincial and municipal levels.

UK companies will be particularly interested in the agreement as the Government has suggested that a future trade agreement with the EU might well “cut and paste” the CETA provisions in a bid to speed up the negotiating process.

Given that, as a leading Member of the European Parliament (MEP) pointed out, “Canada is a country with which we share values and principles so it should have been simple to agree this deal” (and yet it still took seven years to get to this stage), any short cuts will obviously be welcome.

According to the European Commission, CETA will especially benefit smaller companies who can least afford the cost of the red tape involved in exporting to Canada.

They will save time and money, the Commission has suggested, by avoiding duplicative product testing requirements, lengthy customs procedures and costly legal fees.

It has published a Guide to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) for businesses which can be found at trade.ec.europa.eu.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said: “Things are about to change for our exporters. The provisional entry into force allows EU companies and citizens to start reaping the benefits of this agreement right away. This is a positive signal for the global economy, with the potential to boost economic growth and create jobs.”

Since the beginning of the year Norfolk Chamber, together with other strategic partners has been working with New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership to draft the new economic strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk. The strategy is the culmination of collaborative process which has sought to enrich the understanding of the Norfolk and Suffolk economy, establish a shared vision of the kind of place and economy we want the area to be and set out the means by which it will be achieved.

Back in June and July, Norfolk Chamber held a series of events across Norfolk to gather feedback and opinions from local businesses at to what they wanted to see in the strategy and much of that feedback has been incorporated in the current draft.

The first draft is now out for endorsement from key strategic partners across Norfolk and Suffolk and will be ratified by the New Anglia LEP Board on 25 October.  In parallel to the endorsement process, the strategy together with the evidence report will be checked by a professional proof reader to iron out any remaining glitches.

Some of the key targets to 2036 include:

·         30,000 new successful businesses

·         88,000 new jobs

·         Grow the economy by £17.5 billion

·         66% of the population will have NVQ3+

·         140,000 new homes

Commenting on the draft Economic Strategy, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said: 

“Chamber members of differing sizes and a diverse range of sectors from across Norfolk have contributed to the drafting of the new Economic Strategy.  The Strategy lays out the direction for the Norfolk and Suffolk economies through to 2036, highlighting where key strengths can be supported and where improvements are necessary and the Norfolk Chamber is happy to endorse the document.”

The finalised Economic Strategy and the Evidence Report to be published on New Anglia LEP’s website on 26 October – this will be an interactive online document, which will use linked page turning software to help direct readers to more information on specifics including programmes, initiatives, organisations and other relevant documents.

During the autumn, a range of events and opportunities will be held to raise awareness and publicise the new Economic Strategy.  Watch this website to find out more information as it becomes available.

Publishing the strategy is by no means the end – and over the next couple of months New Anglia LEP, working closely with Norfolk Chamber and other business representative groups, local authority partners and sector groups will be developing a plan of action to implement the new economic strategy.

If you have any feedback on the pre-endorsement document, or wish to add your endorsement to the Strategy, please email: Nova.fairbank@Norfolkchamber.co.uk

On Wednesday, we were joined by 200 guests at our seventh instalment of our half-day technology conference, Talking Tech 2017. The event proved to be our busiest yet, filling up the fantastic venue, The Space, with people keen to hear (and see) the latest technological innovations taking place on a national and local scale.

The vibrant and spacious venue was filled with 13 exhibitors, including sponsors of the event Barclays Eagle Labs and Computer Service Centre. We were also joined by PC World, 101 Ltd, Ashton Shaw to name a few, making it our most interactive and engaging exhibition yet! After mingling over tea and coffee, the guests were then introduced to our keynote speakers by the host for the morning, our very own CEO Chris Sargisson.

We first heard from Dom Davis, who spoke about the Rise of artificial intelligence, whose impassioned presentation was both informative but light-hearted. He was followed by Dean Withey who spoke about ubisend’s innovative use of Chatbots. John Carr from Facebook then took to the stage to inform the audience about Facebook’s influence on businesses, its focus on mobile use and the emphasis the company are putting on video. Prison Voicemail and Aviva then spoke about their respective use of technological advances to achieve their goals and make waves in their industries.

The guests then took part in the four workshops provided by local experts Immersive VR, The User Story, Integro and Innershed. Following on from these interactive workshops, it was back to the auditorium for the lightning talks.

This is when local tech pioneers took to the main stage to showcase their journeys and their influence on the tech scene in Norfolk. We heard from Stacey Harris (Foolproof), Claire Riseborough (Step into Tech), Tim Robinson (Tech East), James Horne (BlueSky UAV Drones) and Peter Green (CSS Cloud Ltd).

Following from the Q+A with the audience and our lightning talk speakers, Chris then wrapped up the stimulating and interesting event and welcomed guests to the Networking Lunch, complete with a fantastic spread of sandwiches and sweet treats. This gave the guests another opportunity to visit the engaging exhibition and catch up with their fellow members of the local business community. 

The region’s premier business exhibition, B2B 2017 has once again sold out with more than 100 exhibitors! Returning to Norwich City Football club on Thursday 12th October, the exhibition will see two floors of the football club filled with leading Norfolk businesses, showcasing the latest products and services and sharing ideas that can help Norfolk businesses. This annual exhibition is a leading event in the region’s commercial calendar, attracting a diverse mix of exhibitors and hundreds of visitors keen to find new opportunities. This year is shaping up to be bigger than, with plenty of reasons to attend in 2017:

• Meet face to face with Norfolk’s leading businesses.
• We have a superb line-up of expert trainers delivering free 20 minute masterclasses on core areas that can help you and your business.
• There are lots of exclusive special offers, discounts and free giveaways
• Unique networking opportunities with business leaders, directors, entrepreneurs and decision makers

B2B 2017 is completely FREE and open to all businesses. Book your advance ticket here to beat the queues on the day and be entered into a prize draw to win one of 4 Jarrold Vouchers.

On the occasion of the visit of a high-level Finnish business delegation to London, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), and the Finnish Chambers of Commerce (Kauppakamari) on 14 September 2017 jointly called for UK and EU negotiators to minimise trade barriers – and prioritise shared economic ties beyond Brexit.

There are strong commercial links between the UK and Finland: the UK imports £2.6bn of goods and services from Finland, and exports £2.7bn of goods and services to the country.

Science and Innovation are areas of very active cooperation between the two countries, with the UK and Finland working closely together on life sciences, digital, and low carbon technologies. There are a number of partnerships between the two countries, many of which are facilitated by the EU Horizon 2020 strategy. 

The future of these projects, the long-term ease of trading between the UK and Finland, as well as the future status of Finnish nationals in Britain and British nationals in Finland, are all questions where British and Finnish businesses want negotiators to deliver clarity as soon as possible.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“As we welcome our Finnish colleagues to London, the vibrant trade links between our countries are yet another reminder of the importance of reducing any possible future trade barriers between the UK and the EU.

“Businesses want to minimise the risk to free-flowing trade with partners like Finland, and to avoid the creation of artificial new barriers that stop companies collaborating across boundaries. The on-going Brexit negotiations must seek to provide businesses with clear answers on practical issues including customs procedures, health and safety checks, and tax rules – and guarantee the status of nationals resident on either side.

“The links between innovative British and Finnish businesses are an important reminder that the Brexit negotiations must also deliver a framework for future collaboration between the UK and the EU on science and innovation.”

Dr Risto Penttilä, CEO of Finland Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The UK has been one of Finland’s strongest allies in promoting free trade and pragmatic reforms in the EU. The objective of the Brexit negotiations must be a European wide market that includes the UK, Switzerland and the EEA countries.

“Brexit must not lead to new obstacles or increased costs for companies from the UK, Finland or other EU countries. The UK is one of our most important trading partners, and a strong British economy will benefit both Europe and Finland.

“The Brexit process has reached a point where committed political leadership is needed both in the UK and the EU. Businesses, as well as citizens, need a clear roadmap for the years to come to ensure a smooth transition.”  

We have been informed by the Iraqi Commercial attache in London, that as from 30th August 2017, all goods that have been produced outside of the United Kingdom (foreign origin) must now have a formal letter issued by the consignor confirming that the goods have been produced for thier benefit.

This letter must accompany all documents being submitted to the Embassy for legalisation.

Thank you. 

Now entering its tenth year, the Norfolk Safer Community Awards offer the opportunity to support the excellent work of police officers, police staff and the community in helping to keep Norfolk a safe place to live, work and visit. Once again this year the Norfolk Chamber a proudly sponsoring The Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Award, this is awarded to an individual or team where their contribution to delivering the Constabulary’s performance has been significant yet under-recognised. The awards combine internal recognition with local communities voting for officers deserving of an award for their contributions to their local community. Additionally, if people know of an exceptional individual or group who deserve to be thanked they are encouraged to nominate them for an award. Jason Williams, Business Manager at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“We have been honoured to support the NOSCAs for many years and are again proud to support the Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Award, as part ofour partnership working with Norfolk Constabulary. We congratulate all nominees for the contribution they have made and their continual efforts in ensuring Norfolk is a safe place to live and work.” 

More information on the award can be found here: https://www.noscas.co.uk/ 

Employment Law experts, Oliver Brabbins and Robert Hickford of Steeles law delivered a thought provoking HR forum to 40 attendees yesterday (13.9.17).

Focussing on Preventing Discrimination in the Workplace, the speakers examined the Equality Act 2010 and gave a comprehensive review of the law relating to this sensitive are of HR management.

Attendees heard a review of a number of landmark cases of discrimination and harassment in the workplace and a roundup of other recent landmark employment law cases.

The next HR Forum, sponsored by Birketts, focuses on Employee Investigations and takes place on 08 November 2017. Find out more and book your place here.

Commenting on the labour market statistics for September 2017, released today by the Office for National Statistics, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:

“The continued rise in employment, coupled with falling unemployment, is further evidence that the Norfolk jobs market remains resilient, with firms continuing to recruit despite a softening economic picture.

“That said, the labour market continues to face a number of major challenges. With pay growth unchanged, inflation continues to comfortably outpace earnings growth, which is putting the brakes on consumer spending, a major determinant of UK economic growth. However, the continued weakness in real wage growth should give the MPC sufficient leeway to keep interest rates on hold, despite the pick-up in inflation.

“It is concerning that the number of vacancies remains well above the historical average – a further indication of the continued skills shortage faced by business, which is weighing on productivity and growth prospects. The latest research from the British Chambers of Commerce found that half of firms Norfolk and the rest of the UK had faced skills or labour shortages over the past year.

“A key priority for the Autumn Budget must be to support companies looking to recruit and grow their business, including tackling the high up-front taxes and costs of doing business in the UK. As the Brexit process unfolds, a key focus must be on delivering a post Brexit immigration system that reflects the needs of the UK economy.”

The European Commission has published its position paper on Customs Related Matters Needed for an Orderly Withdrawal of the UK from the Union.

This can be found at ec.europa.eu and particularly concerns the customs status of goods that enter, leave or transit the customs and tax territory of the EU or the UK, where the movement starts before and ends on or after the withdrawal date.

It argues that the basic approach to be followed should be that the rules applicable in respect of an operation when it is commenced should continue to apply to that operation until its completion.

“It is for the declarant to demonstrate the status of the goods (Union or non-Union) before the date of withdrawal and the fact that the relevant movement or entry into a customs regime was initiated before the date of withdrawal,” the paper states.

The Commission also calls for the eventual Withdrawal Agreement to set out the appropriate treatment in relation to VAT and excise duties and licensing requirements in those circumstances.

Responding to the paper, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said: “On VAT specifically, we note that the Commission has recognised the need for a supplementary agreement, which is essential given that any new demand for upfront payments of import VAT could cause major cash flow headaches and additional red tape for firms.”

The BRC also argued, to ensure that supply chains are not disrupted and goods can continue to move between markets as efficiently as possible, that deals between the UK and the EU are also required on security, haulage, transit and drivers.